Michael Powell Is a Sure Shot

Lookout Carmelo Anthony! Greenwich third-grader Michael Powell is a good shot.

A really good shot. And the eight-year-old, who attends the Parkway School, already is aiming for your job.

Michael won the District Championship in the Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw contest held on Jan. 5 in Fairfield. Contestants shoot 25 baskets — 10 shots each and then 15 shots each. Michael shot 20 out of 25 in the Districts (the second place contestant shot 17 of 25). 

Michael was eligible for the District Championship because he won the local contest held in Stamford in December, shooting 23 of 25 shots.

Now, he's headed to the Connecticut state championship to be held Feb. 8 in New Britain, facing off against three other district winners from Connecticut. If he wins there, he'll be going to the regional competition in a challenge with four other state champions and, if successful, then it's the National Championship where he would compete with 11 other regional winners.

The basketball doesn't fall far from the proverbial family tree. Michael's dad, Mike, participated in Elks Hoop Shoot contests when he was a youngster. He won the Alabama State championship in 1981 and 1983. He also placed seventh in the National Championship in 1981 and placed second in the 1983 regionals.  

Michael took some time out of his schedule to answer some questions from Greenwich Patch.

Patch: How long have you been playing basketball?
Michael: Three years. 
 
Patch: How often/long do you practice?
Michael: I practice 6 days a week, 1 to 2 hours a day. I shoot 50 baskets at the foul line, 20 layups, 10 long shots, 5+ three pointers, and 20 side shots.

Patch: Why do you like basketball? 
Michael: My dad played basketball, and I want to be like him.  I also think shooting baskets is fun.

Patch: Who is your favorite hoops player and why?  
Michael: Michael Jordan, because he is the best player.  He also scored 3,046 points in one season.

Patch: Do you want to play professional basketball someday? If you haven't decided yet, that's OK. I just thought that perhaps you've already set a goal.  
Michael: Yes, I would like to play at UNC and then for the Knicks.

Good luck Michael!